Secure home interactive packaging system (s.h.i.p.s.)

ABSTRACT

A package receptacle system includes a receptacle having an interior storage compartment sized to receive a package. The receptacle includes a lower floor, sidewalls extending upward from the lower floor, and an upper ceiling covering an opening defined by upper ends of the sidewalls. A digital locking mechanism is attached to an outer surface of the receptacle that is configured to provide keyless access to the interior storage compartment and to move a lock between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position includes the door in a closed position, and the unlocked position includes the door capable of being opened and closed. The digital locking mechanism is configured to move the lock between the locked position and the unlocked position responsive to one or more wireless inputs received from an electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/708,067 filed on Dec. 1, 2017, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for securely storing articles for pickup or for securely receiving delivered items in absentia and securingthose items until removed by a responsible party.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a digitally controlled receptacle and,more particularly, to a receptacle mounted in, on, or near a residentialhome or similar other building for package pick up and/or delivery.

Package delivery, parcel delivery, mail delivery or even grocerydelivery to a residential home is provided by postal systems (e.g.,USPS) and private delivery services (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL). Whendelivering a package or article to a residential neighborhood or to anygeneric building, the package may often be delivered and left on thefront porch or near the front entrance to the building. This may resultin a ruined package in severe weather conditions; alternately, thepackage out in the open may be stolen. Tampering with the packages byunauthorized personnel is another problem. Similarly, a home resident ora building occupant looking to ship a package to a recipient typicallyhas to travel with the package to a nearby post office or to a privatepackage delivery service office (e.g., UPS office, FedEx Office) inorder to have the package shipped to the recipient. The time it takes totravel to and from the post office or private package delivery serviceoffice may be undesirable for a person with limited time availability.Further, in a residential home setting, providing access to personnelinto the house through the front door or into the garage through thegarage doors for package delivery/pick-up can create a sense ofinsecurity in the building/house occupant's mind. It may also bedesirable to have a provision for neighbors being able to drop stuff offsecurely and for the building occupant/owner to leave stuff securely forneighbors to pick up.

Therefore, a need exists for a basic, cost effective, secure receptaclethat is positioned outside the house/building such that the receptaclecan accessed by the package delivery person with the receptacle securingthe delivered package until the responsible party removes it; similarly,the receptacle should also be able to securely hold a package to bepicked up and providing secure access to the package pick up person.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form concepts thatare further described in the following detailed descriptions. Thissummary is not intended to identify key features or essential featuresof the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting thescope of the claimed subject matter.

Disclosed herein is a package receptacle system including: a receptaclehaving an interior storage compartment sized to receive a package, thereceptacle comprising a lower floor adapted for supporting a packageplaced in the interior storage compartment, and sidewalls extendingupward from the lower floor and an upper ceiling covering an openingdefined by upper ends of the sidewalls; an access to the interiorstorage compartment and a door pivotally attached to the receptacle forclosing the access when in a closed position; and a digital lockingmechanism attached to an outer surface of the receptacle, the digitallocking mechanism operable configured to: provide keyless access to theinterior storage compartment; and move a lock between a locked positionand an unlocked position, wherein the locked position comprises the doorin a closed position, and the unlocked position comprises the doorcapable of being opened and closed, wherein the digital lockingmechanism is configured to move the lock between the locked position andthe unlocked position responsive to one or more wireless inputs receivedfrom an electronic device.

According to one or more embodiments, the receptacle is mounted in arecess formed on a sidewall of a building.

According to one or more embodiments, the receptacle is mounted in arecess formed on a sidewall of a garage attached to a building.

According to one or more embodiments, the receptacle is mounted in arecess formed on a front door of a building.

According to one or more embodiments, the receptacle is mounted on aflat horizontal surface located outside of a building.

According to one or more embodiments, the receptacle is positioned infront of the building.

According to one or more embodiments, the receptacle is positionedbetween two adjacent buildings.

According to one or more embodiments, the receptacle is secured to theflat horizontal surface with a locking bolt system comprising anti-theftlocking bolts, the anti-theft locking bolts requiring a predeterminedunique tool for unlocking the anti-theft locking bolts.

According to one or more embodiments, a slot configured for dropping anenvelope through the slot into the interior storage compartment.

According to one or more embodiments, the digital locking mechanism isconfigured to manipulate the lock to the unlocked position on wirelesslyreceiving a first authentication code; and to manipulate the lock to thelocked position on wirelessly receiving a second authentication code.

According to one or more embodiments, the digital locking mechanism isconfigured to manipulate the lock to the unlocked position when a key isinserted into a key hole present on receptacle and turned; and tomanipulate the lock to the locked position when the key is inserted intothe key hole present on receptacle and turned.

According to one or more embodiments, the digital locking mechanism isoperable via one of a: USB port, a touch screen, a dial pad, a Wi-Ficonnection, an Ethernet connection, a Bluetooth connection, a cellphonenetwork tower connection and a satellite connection.

According to one or more embodiments, the digital locking mechanism iscapable of communicating with any device connected to the internet.

According to one or more embodiments, the digital access mechanism isconfigured to electronically communicate updates to a package serviceprovider associated with a package delivery or a package pick-up.

According to one or more embodiments, the package receptacle systemfurther includes one or more of: an audible alarm, a visual alarm, aback-up battery power source, an A/C power socket, an inlet for internetconnectivity, a light source, a temperature sensor, a motion detector, astill camera, and a motion camera.

According to one or more embodiments, the interior storage compartmentis accessible from an exterior of a building and from an interior of thebuilding.

According to one or more embodiments, the package receptacle systemincludes a camera surveillance system configured to communicate with abuilding security system, the camera surveillance system furtherconfigured to log and record each access, and each access attempt, tothe interior storage compartment.

According to one or more embodiments, the package receptacle systemincludes a side access to the interior storage compartment defined by anopening in a sidewall of the receptacle, and a side door pivotallyattached to the receptacle for closing the side access when in a closedposition.

According to one or more embodiments, the package receptacle systemincludes motion-initiated illumination of one or more of: a keypad ofthe digital locking mechanism and an area contiguous to the receptacle.

According to one or more embodiments, the digital access mechanism isconfigured to electronically communicate one or more of: a loss of A/Cpower supply and a low back-up battery power.

Disclosed herein is a method of package storage and retrieval thatincludes: receiving wirelessly, by a digital locking mechanism of areceptacle, an authentication code from an electronic device operated bya user attempting to gain access to an interior storage compartment ofthe receptacle, wherein the receptacle further comprises a lower flooradapted for supporting a package placed in the interior storagecompartment, sidewalls extending upward from the lower floor, an upperceiling covering an opening defined by upper ends of the sidewalls, anaccess to the interior storage compartment, a door pivotally attached tothe receptacle for closing the access when in a closed position, whereinthe digital locking mechanism is attached to an outer surface of thereceptacle, wherein the digital locking mechanism configured to providekeyless access to the interior storage compartment; verifying, by thedigital locking mechanism, of the authentication code as an authorizedauthentication code; and manipulating of a lock, by the digital lockingmechanism, to move the lock from a locked position to an unlockedposition to render the door capable of being opened and closed.

Disclosed herein is a method of securing a package the includes:wirelessly communicating an authentication code to a digital lockingmechanism attached to a sidewall of a receptacle to move a lock from alocked position to an unlocked position, wherein the receptaclecomprises an interior storage compartment sized to receive a package, anaccess to the interior storage compartment, a door pivotally attached tothe receptacle for closing the access when in a closed position, and thedigital locking mechanism configured to move the lock between the lockedposition and the unlocked position, wherein the locked positioncomprises the door in a closed position, and the unlocked positioncomprises the door capable of being opened and closed; opening the doorand placing a package within the interior storage compartment of thereceptacle and closing the door; and moving, by the digital lockingmechanism, of the lock from the unlocked position to the locked positionto secure the placed package.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be betterappreciated from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a package receptacle system attachedto a building in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the package receptacle system inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3C are structural diagrams of the package receptacle system inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a packagereceptacle system with a receptacle including a digital lockingmechanism that provides for keyless delivering and picking up ofpackages. A building owner/occupant may place a package for delivery inthe receptacle and then lock it. A user, e.g., a package pick up person,may then unlock the receptacle and retrieve the package. Alternatively,a delivery person may place the package within the receptacle and lockit. Then, the building owner/occupant, such as, for example, an owner ortenant occupying a residential home, may unlock the receptacle toretrieve the delivered package.

The general purpose of the secure package receptacle system, describedsubsequently in greater detail, is to provide a secure packagereceptacle system which has many novel features that result in animproved secure package receptacle. The package receptacle system isparticularly well-suited for residential usage in suburban, rural, andother settings where parcel deliveries are made. The package receptaclesystem safely accommodates and protects both oversized packages andsmall packages; it also provides delivery space for express deliverycompanies and others that are barred from using mailboxes designated forstamped mail delivery.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3C, a package receptacle system accordingto the present invention includes a receptacle 10. The receptacle 10includes at least one sidewall having a top rim and a bottom side. Forexample, the receptacle 10 may include four sidewalls 26. The sidewallsand the bottom side form an interior storage compartment of thereceptacle in between and an upper ceiling covering an opening definedby the top rims of the sidewalls. The receptacle 10 further includes anaccess to the interior storage compartment and an access door 18(alternately referred to as door 18) pivotally attached to thereceptacle with a hinge for closing the access in a closed position. Thereceptacle may optionally have a second door (not shown). The doors maybe provided with door handles. The door 18 may close to cover the accessof the receptacle and open to reveal the inside of the receptacle. Thereceptacle may further include a back panel console 52 that may beopened with a key to provide electrical and internet connections to thereceptacle. The receptacle may further include a back battery console 54for providing back up power to the receptacle in case of loss ofexternal power supply to which the receptacle may typically be connectedto.

In certain embodiments, the package receptacle system includes amounting mechanism for mounting the bottom side of the receptacle 10 toa flat horizontal surface 48. In certain embodiments, the surface 48 maybe a porch or landing in front of a residential home or a building, suchas a concrete porch. The mounting mechanism may include anti-theftlocking bolts 50 going through openings in the bottom side of thereceptacle 10. Each locking bolt 50 may be mounted to an anchor (notshown) that is within the surface 48. Therefore, the locking bolt 50 andanchor may secure the receptacle 10 to the surface 48. The anti-theftlocking bolts 50 may be configured such that they can be removed usingconventional tools, but rather require a special tool for removal of thebolts.

FIG. 1 shows a first package receptacle system attached to the sidewallof the garage of a house (see left side of FIG. 1) and a second packagereceptacle system attached to the sidewall of the house (see right sideof FIG. 1). FIG. 2 shows a perspective view corresponding to theembodiment of the package receptacle systems shown in FIG. 1. While theFIG. 2 embodiment shows two receptacles 10 combined in a singlereceptacle system, in other embodiments each package receptacle systemmay include only one receptacle 10. FIGS. 3A-3C show another embodimentof package receptacle system that is not attached to any side walls, butis rather configured as a stand-alone system that is attached to ahorizontal flat surface such as, for example, a concrete pad.

The construction of the receptacle 10 can be a unitary plastic body,such as produced by injection molding, though other unitaryconstructions are also possible as well as fabrication and assembly ofindividual parts to form the receptacle 10. Other appropriate polymers,fiberglass, metals, and the like may also be used when needed or whenmost cost effective. In some embodiments, the receptacle 10 may be madeof plastics, stainless steel or another metal that does not rust tosustain harsh weather conditions. In certain embodiments, the dimensionsof the receptacle may be about 24 inches in width, at least 36 inches indepth, and 36 inches in length. However, the receptacle is not limitedto the dimensions mentioned above and may be any dimensions desired. Forexample, the receptacle may be manufactured in S, M, and L sizes, aswell as in various other custom sizes and optional sizes. The receptacle10 may also include in a variety of colors, and may include logos andadvertising on the various outer surfaces of the receptacle 10. Thereceptacle 10 may be provided with insulation and heating/coolingaccessories such that the receptacle 10 is capable of maintaining thetemperature within the storage compartment within a predetermined range,irrespective of the outside weather conditions.

Access to the interior storage compartment of the receptacle 10 isclosable with the access door 18 that is pivotally attached to thesidewall of the receptacle 10. As evident from FIG. 2, the roof of thereceptacle is not horizontal so that rain, snow, ice, etc., can be shedby the roof. The door 18 may be equipped with an address placard (notshown) on which the address of the user can be indicated. A side surfaceof the receptacle 10 may carry a message, such as “pickup” to notify adelivery driver that a package is within the receptacle 10 for pickup.

The access door 18 comprises a flushly fitted lockable access door thatsecures the access to the interior storage compartment. A hinge 46attaches the access door 18 to the receptacle. The hinge is a pianohinge in one example. Another example features a wire hinge. Anotherexample features a concealed hinge. A recessed handle 20 is disposedwithin the access door 18. The handle is at an opposite side of the doorfrom the hinge. In one embodiment, a lock 22 (see FIG. 3C) may beintegrated with the recessed handle 20 as a single unit.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the receptacle may be mounted ina recess formed on a sidewall of a building, for e.g., the sidewall of aresidential home. In a further embodiment, the recess is formed on asidewall of a garage attached to a building, also as shown in FIG. 1. Inanother embodiment, the receptacle is mounted in a recess formed on afront door of a building (not shown). In one embodiment, the interiorstorage compartment may be accessible from both an exterior of abuilding and an interior of the building. For example, in an embodimentwhere the receptacle 10 is mounted in a recess formed on a sidewall of aresidential home or building, or in a recess formed on a sidewall of agarage of a residential home or building, while a user such as a packagedelivery/drop-off person may be able to access the interior storagecompartment of the receptacle from the exterior of the residential homeor building, a building occupant/owner may be able to access theinterior storage compartment of the receptacle from within thegarage/residential home/building. To facilitate this, an additionalaccess to the interior storage compartment defined by an opening in asidewall of the receptacle, (and optionally a side door pivotallyattached to the receptacle for closing the side access when in a closedposition, the side door having a side door handle) may be provided foraccessing the interior storage compartment from the interior of thegarage/residential home/building.

In one embodiment, the receptacle may be flush mounted into the interiorwall of the house such that no portion of the receptacle extends beyondthe external surface of the building's wall. This set-up may bebeneficial to integrate into a home/building's wall during newconstruction of the home or building. In this embodiment, a good portionof the receptacle may occupy the space “between” the interior andexterior walls.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the package receptacle system maybe mounted on a flat horizontal surface 48 located outside of abuilding. In one embodiment, the package receptacle system may bepositioned in front of the building. In another embodiment, the packagereceptacle system may be positioned between two adjacent buildings. Inone embodiment, for e.g., in the embodiment similar to the one shown inFIG. 3, the receptacle is secured to the flat horizontal surface with alocking bolt system comprising anti-theft locking bolts 50, the lockingbolts requiring a non-conventional tool for unlocking the locking bolts.In one embodiment, a base 42 may be located beneath the lower floor, thebase 42 separating the lower floor from the surface 48.

In one embodiment, the receptacle may further comprise a slot (notshown) configured for dropping an envelope through the slot into theinterior storage compartment. The package receptacle system may furtherbe provided with features such as: an audible alarm, a visual alarm, aback-up battery power source, an A/C power socket, an inlet for internetconnectivity, a light source, a temperature sensor, a motion detector, astill camera, and a motion camera. In one embodiment, the packagereceptacle system may further include a camera surveillance systemconfigured to communicate with a building security system; this camerasurveillance system may be configured to log and record each access andeach access attempt to the interior storage compartment.

In one embodiment, the interior storage compartment may be provided withshelving for arranging packages therein. In one embodiment, thereceptacle may be provided with temperature controls to maintain anappropriate temperature for a package that may contain perishable goodsthat need to be kept at a specified temperature. In one embodiment, thereceptacle may be provided with weather proofing. In one embodiment thepackage receptacle system may be positioned near a sidewalk of aresidential or commercial development. In one embodiment, the receptaclemay be constructed of durable material that prevents tampering. In oneembodiment, the receptacle may be provided with one or more handles tohelp with the moving of the receptacle from one location to another, forexample, for shipping the package receptacle system from the factory tothe customer location.

The package receptacle system further includes a digital lockingmechanism 24. The digital locking mechanism 14 is attached to an outersurface of the receptacle 10, and may include a digital display, analpha-numeric key pad, a microphone, a speaker, and a USB port. Thedigital locking mechanism 14 is configured to provide keyless access tothe interior storage compartment. In some embodiments, the digitallocking mechanism 14 is embedded with a sidewall 26 of receptacle 10. Insome embodiments, the digital locking mechanism 14 may be rigidlyattached to a sidewall 26 of receptacle 10. The digital lockingmechanism 14 is configured to move a lock 22 securing the access door 18between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the lockedposition comprises the access door 18 in a closed position, and theunlocked position comprises the access door 18 capable of being openedand closed. The locked position may secure the door 18 in a closedposition, preventing the door 18 from being opened and thereby securingthe contents within the receptacle 10. The digital locking mechanism 14may be in an unlocked position in which the door 18 may be opened andclosed freely. In one embodiment, the display screen and/or the lock ofmay not be visible from the outside of the receptacle, with access tothe interior storage compartment only being controllable through amobile app.

The digital locking mechanism 14 may include software. The software maybe embodied as a computer control code and may be on the digital lockingmechanism 14, or distributed among the digital locking mechanism 14 andother components that form the package receptacle system. The softwareis a complete package to provide access control to the receptacle 10.The software is capable of connecting a TV, monitor, speaker, microphoneand devices to enable larger video and audio capabilities. Any userhaving a mobile device may interact with the digital locking mechanism14 using a mobile software application (e.g., mobile app) or through aninternet browser. The user may include a building occupant, a homeowner, a home occupant, a home owner's association representative, apackage pick-up person and a package delivery person, among others. Thedigital locking mechanism 14 may communicate over any variety of wiredand wireless networks, and utilize security and authenticationprocedures to permitting access to the interior storage compartment ofthe receptacle 10. The digital locking mechanism 14 may also communicateover Wi-Fi (e.g., 802.11 wireless), Bluetooth, RFID, NFC and othercommunication systems.

The digital locking mechanism 14 may be configured to communicate with aremote entity. The remote entity is configured for receiving informationfrom the digital locking mechanism 14. The remote entity may be anexternal server. The remote entity may be a person associated with thereceptacle. The digital locking mechanism 14 may be configured toprovide one or more alerts to an authorized person associated with thereceptacle. The digital locking mechanism 14 may be configured toprovide the one or more alerts based on characteristics as determined ormonitored by the digital locking mechanism 14. The one or more alertsmay be based on a time of day. The one or more alerts may include atheft alarm.

The digital locking mechanism 14 may include temperature sensorconfigured for monitoring a temperature of the interior storagecompartment. The digital locking mechanism 14 may include an imaginginterface, the digital locking mechanism 14 configured for imaging anuser attempting to access the receptacle 10 or the interior storagecompartment of the receptacle 10 and associated environment, andcommunicating the image to an authorized person (such as a buildingowner/operator/occupant) for providing the user with access to theinterior storage compartment.

The digital locking mechanism 14 may include memory and a processor. Theprocessor may execute computer control code found on the device. Atransmitter or other radio device may be used for transmittinginformation. Additionally, transmitter may be able to communicate with asmart phone or other computing device. For example, the smart phone mayreceive information regarding an user attempting to access the interiorstorage compartment of the receptacle, and then transmit a signal to thedigital locking mechanism 14 to activate a mechanism that unlocks theaccess door 18 of the receptacle 10 for a predetermined duration of timeto permit access to a user to drop a package into the interior storagecompartment (or to pick-up a package present in the interior storagecompartment).

The digital locking mechanism is configured to manipulate the lock 20securing access door 18 covering the recess to the unlocked position onwirelessly receiving an authentication code from a user or from thebuilding occupant/owner. In one embodiment, the building owner/operatormay previously provide an authentication code to a user that the usermay communicate wirelessly to the digital locking mechanism 14 to causeit to unlock the access door 18. In this embodiment, the authenticationcode may previously be fed to the digital locking mechanism's memorywhereby the digital locking mechanism may compare the authenticationcode provided wirelessly by the user with the authentication code in itsmemory, and when there is a match, the digital locking mechanism willproceed to unlock the top door 18. In one embodiment, the digitallocking mechanism may cause the authentication code to expire after apredetermined a time period following which a new authentication code isgenerated and provided to the user, the building owner/operator and thedigital locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the digital lockingmechanism manages generation of this new authentication code as well asthe expiration of the existing authentication code.

In one embodiment, the digital locking mechanism is addressable,operable, and/or updatable via one of a: USB port, a touch screen, adial pad, an alpha-numeric key pad, a Wi-Fi connection, an Ethernetconnection, a Bluetooth connection, a cellphone network tower connectionand a satellite connection. In one embodiment, the digital lockingmechanism is capable of communicating with any device connected to theinternet. In a further embodiment, the digital access mechanism isconfigured to electronically communicate updates to a package serviceprovider associated with a package delivery or a package pick-up.

The package receptacle system may optionally include a key lock that maybe opened by a key. In the embodiment with a key lock, the digitallocking mechanism 14 may be configured to manipulate the lock to theunlocked position when a key is inserted into a key hole present onreceptacle 10 (optionally the key hole may be positioned on the digitallocking mechanism 14) and turned in a clockwise or an anticlockwisedirection. In such an embodiment, the owner/occupant of a residentialhome may own a key and may lock and unlock the receptacle 10 using thekey. The owner/occupant may place a package within the receptacle 10 andlock the receptacle 10 using the key for pick up by a user such as apackage pick-up person. The package pick-up person may use a copy of thesame key to unlock the receptacle 10 and remove the package fordelivery. Further, another user such as a package delivery person maydeliver a package to the same receptacle 10 by opening the receptacle 10with the further copy of the same key and place the package within thereceptacle 10. The owner/occupant of the residential home may open thereceptacle 10 with the key to obtain the package.

In one embodiment, the package receptacle system may comprisemotion-initiated illumination of one or more of a keypad of the digitallocking mechanism 14 and an area contiguous to the receptacle 10. In afurther embodiment, the digital access mechanism 14 may be configured toelectronically communicate one or more of a loss of A/C power supply anda low back-up battery power.

The digital locking mechanism 14 of a receptacle 10 of the packagereceptacle system may receive wirelessly, an authentication code from amobile device operated by a user attempting to gain access to aninterior storage compartment of the receptacle. In response, the digitallocking mechanism, after verifying the authentication code as anauthorized authentication code (e.g., after comparing the wirelesslyprovided authentication code with an authentication code provided by thebuilding operator/owner; the authentication code may be provided by thebuilding operator/owner either prior to, or after, the digital lockingmechanism receives the authentication code from the user attempting toaccess the interior storage compartment of the receptacle 10), thedigital locking mechanism may operate to cause the lock to move from alocked position and an unlocked position to render the access door 18capable of being opened and closed. The user may then be able to opentop door 18 to access the interior storage compartment either to drop apackage therein, or to pick up a package present therein.

In one embodiment, the digital locking mechanism 14 may not connect tothe internet, but only to an intranet, i.e., a local area network. Inone embodiment, each of users of the package receptacle system may beprovided a separate set of authentication code. For example, all usersdelivering packages may use one code, all users picking up packages maybe use another code, all home owner association personnel may use afurther different code, etc. In one embodiment, the receptacle mayinclude two or more interior storage compartments, with each interiorstorage compartment requiring a separate authentication code foraccessing the same.

Additional embodiments of the package receptacle system may include oneor more of the following features. In one embodiment, a user must have amobile app to access the interior storage compartment. In oneembodiment, no access code is needed with a mobile app handling allaccess to the interior storage compartment as follows. In oneembodiment, referring to a package delivery situation, the system may beintegrated with the FedEx, UPS, etc. computer system such that when thedriver arrives and scans the package to drop off, the box automaticallypops open)—this way there is no involvement from the owner required atall. In one embodiment, the building owner/occupant may add his or herneighbor as a “friend” and provide access to that friend through themobile app, for a specified period of time. When the buildingowner/occupant puts a package in and informs the mobile app that theneighbor is coming to get it, the neighbor gets a notification on themobile app installed on the neighbor's device informing the neighborregarding the package waiting for pick-up by the neighbor; then, whenthe neighbor gets near the receptacle to pick up the package, theneighbor clicks “I'm here” button on the mobile app, which causes thedigital locking mechanism 14 to unlock the receptacle, and further forthe access dor to open. In one embodiment, a camera forming part of thepackage receptacle system records every time the receptacle is accessedso that each access has photo/video proof of what happened, making eachaccess much more auditable. In one embodiment, the camera is activatedwhen somebody tries to tamper with the box, etc. In one embodiment, thebuilding owner/occupant may be able to open the box from anywhere wherethe device operated by the owner/occupant has an internet connection;this way, if the owner/occupant receives call from a person informingthat the person is ready to drop something off, the owner/occupant cancause the access door of the receptacle open without thedelivery/pick-up person having to download the mobile app. In oneembodiment, the mobile app may be compatible with, or integrated with,the operations of the delivery management system of vendors such asfood/pizza delivery, grocery delivery, flower delivery, uber eats,instacart, etc. It should be noted that the size and shape of thereceptacle is immaterial and is only limited by the utility of thereceptacle and the preferences of the user community. Similarly, thelocation and style of the access door too is immaterial and is onlylimited by the utility of the receptacle and the preferences of the usercommunity.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the presentinvention may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the formof an entirely hardware embodiment. Any combination of one or morecomputer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readablemedium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readablestorage medium (including, but not limited to, non-transitory computerreadable storage media). A computer readable storage medium may be, forexample, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, ordevice, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specificexamples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage mediumwould include the following: an electrical connection having one or morewires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory(RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compactdisc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magneticstorage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In thecontext of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be anytangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program codeembodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using anyappropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline,optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of theforegoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the lattersituation scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider).

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and thesedescriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not allembodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions aremade according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not madenecessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of thedrawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scaleof the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings.However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according tothe apparent relative scale of the drawing.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains.Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent tothose described herein can be used in the practice or testing of thepresently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, andmaterials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and“the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification,including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” caninclude a plurality of such devices, and so forth.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A package receptacle system comprising: areceptacle having an interior storage compartment sized to receive apackage, the receptacle comprising a lower floor adapted for supportinga package placed in the interior storage compartment, and sidewallsextending upward from the lower floor and an upper ceiling covering anopening defined by upper ends of the sidewalls; an access to theinterior storage compartment and a door pivotally attached to thereceptacle for closing the access when in a closed position; and adigital locking mechanism attached to an outer surface of thereceptacle, the digital locking mechanism operable configured to:provide keyless access to the interior storage compartment; and move alock between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein thelocked position comprises the door in a closed position, and theunlocked position comprises the door capable of being opened and closed,wherein the digital locking mechanism is configured to move the lockbetween the locked position and the unlocked position responsive to oneor more wireless inputs received from an electronic device.
 2. Thepackage receptacle system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is mountedin a recess formed on a sidewall of a building.
 3. The packagereceptacle system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is mounted in arecess formed on a sidewall of a garage attached to a building.
 4. Thepackage receptacle system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is mountedin a recess formed on a front door of a building.
 5. The packagereceptacle system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is mounted on aflat horizontal surface located outside of a building.
 6. The packagereceptacle system of claim 5, wherein the receptacle is positioned infront of the building.
 7. The package receptacle system of claim 5,wherein the receptacle is positioned between two adjacent buildings. 8.The package receptacle system of claim 5, wherein the receptacle issecured to the flat horizontal surface with a locking bolt systemcomprising anti-theft locking bolts, the anti-theft locking boltsrequiring a predetermined unique tool for unlocking the anti-theftlocking bolts.
 9. The package receptacle system of claim 1, furthercomprising a slot configured for dropping an envelope through the slotinto the interior storage compartment.
 10. The package receptacle systemof claim 1, wherein the digital locking mechanism is configured tomanipulate the lock to the unlocked position on wirelessly receiving afirst authentication code; and wherein the digital locking mechanism isconfigured to manipulate the lock to the locked position on wirelesslyreceiving a second authentication code.
 11. The package receptaclesystem of claim 1, wherein the digital locking mechanism is configuredto manipulate the lock to the unlocked position when a key is insertedinto a key hole present on receptacle and turned; and wherein thedigital locking mechanism is configured to manipulate the lock to thelocked position when the key is inserted into the key hole present onreceptacle and turned.
 12. The package receptacle system of claim 1,wherein the digital locking mechanism is operable via one of a: USBport, a touch screen, a dial pad, a Wi-Fi connection, an Ethernetconnection, a Bluetooth connection, a cellphone network tower connectionand a satellite connection.
 13. The package receptacle system of claim1, wherein the digital locking mechanism is capable of communicatingwith any device connected to the internet.
 14. The package receptaclesystem of claim 1, wherein the digital access mechanism is configured toelectronically communicate updates to a package service providerassociated with a package delivery or a package pick-up.
 15. The packagereceptacle system of claim 1, further comprising one or more of: anaudible alarm, a visual alarm, a back-up battery power source, an A/Cpower socket, an inlet for internet connectivity, a light source, atemperature sensor, a motion detector, a still camera, and a motioncamera.
 16. The package receptacle system of claim 1, wherein theinterior storage compartment is accessible from an exterior of abuilding and from an interior of the building.
 17. The packagereceptacle system of claim 1, further comprising a camera surveillancesystem configured to communicate with a building security system, thecamera surveillance system further configured to log and record eachaccess, and each access attempt, to the interior storage compartment.18. The package receptacle system of claim 1, further comprising a sideaccess to the interior storage compartment defined by an opening in asidewall of the receptacle, and a side door pivotally attached to thereceptacle for closing the side access when in a closed position. 19.The package receptacle system of claim 1, further comprisingmotion-initiated illumination of one or more of: a keypad of the digitallocking mechanism and an area contiguous to the receptacle.
 20. Thepackage receptacle system of claim 1, wherein the digital accessmechanism is configured to electronically communicate one or more of: aloss of A/C power supply and a low back-up battery power.
 21. A methodof package storage and retrieval, the method comprising: receivingwirelessly, by a digital locking mechanism of a receptacle, anauthentication code from an electronic device operated by a userattempting to gain access to an interior storage compartment of thereceptacle, wherein the receptacle further comprises a lower flooradapted for supporting a package placed in the interior storagecompartment, sidewalls extending upward from the lower floor, an upperceiling covering an opening defined by upper ends of the sidewalls, anaccess to the interior storage compartment, a door pivotally attached tothe receptacle for closing the access when in a closed position, whereinthe digital locking mechanism is attached to an outer surface of thereceptacle, wherein the digital locking mechanism configured to providekeyless access to the interior storage compartment; verifying, by thedigital locking mechanism, of the authentication code as an authorizedauthentication code; and manipulating of a lock, by the digital lockingmechanism, to move the lock from a locked position to an unlockedposition to render the door capable of being opened and closed.
 22. Amethod of securing a package, the method comprising: wirelesslycommunicating an authentication code to a digital locking mechanismattached to a sidewall of a receptacle to move a lock from a lockedposition to an unlocked position, wherein the receptacle comprises aninterior storage compartment sized to receive a package, an access tothe interior storage compartment, a door pivotally attached to thereceptacle for closing the access when in a closed position, and thedigital locking mechanism configured to move the lock between the lockedposition and the unlocked position, wherein the locked positioncomprises the door in a closed position, and the unlocked positioncomprises the door capable of being opened and closed; opening the doorand placing a package within the interior storage compartment of thereceptacle and closing the door; and moving, by the digital lockingmechanism, of the lock from the unlocked position to the locked positionto secure the placed package.